Method and apparatus to dynamically enable and control communication link optimizations on a communication device

ABSTRACT

Embodiment methods and systems include external hardware that can be fitted to a wireless communication device to optimize group communications on the wireless devices. The wireless device may be coupled to an external case configured with a physical button that enables group communication such as push-to-talk and other push-to-experience capabilities. Optimizations for push-to-talk communication may be implemented in a push-to-talk mode in response to detecting connection to the external hardware. Signaling between the external case and the wireless device allows detection of the switch to (or from) push-to-talk mode when a user depresses (or releases) the hard key.

FIELD

The present application relates generally to mobile communication deviceuser interfaces, and more particularly to enabling and controllingfeatures of a mobile communication device by an external case.

BACKGROUND

Push-to-talk (“PTT”) is a well known group communication technology thatis used in many applications in which there is benefit from a group ofindividuals being able to hear the same transmissions. Familiar examplesinclude police, fire, rescue, and delivery personnel.

Generally, the number of smartphones that offer group communicationcapabilities, such as PTT or other push-to-experience (“PTX”)capabilities, is limited. There exist software applications that may bedownloaded by a smartphone to provide the smartphone with a groupcommunication capability. Generally, this group communication softwareapplication may utilize the touch screen display/user interface of thesmartphone. For example, a user may touch or tap an icon on the touchscreen to utilize a push-to-talk service. Since the capabilities andoptimizations that are used to enable high performance groupcommunications tend to have high battery usage, it is generallybeneficial for a user to have the ability to turn off groupcommunication mode when not in use, such as through the softwareapplication.

However, the use of a touch screen interface contrasts greatly with aconventional PTT “walkie-talkie” type hard key, which is typicallymounted on the side of the communication device. Since smartphones lacka hard key PTT input button, a user must look at the touchscreen inorder to push the talk button, which requires two hands and the user'svisual attention. This makes smartphone group communication applicationsless desirable and inappropriate to many users of traditional PTT/PTXcommunication devices which have a side mounted talk button that can beoperated single handedly without a need to look at the device.

SUMMARY

The various embodiments provide a method for enabling a communicationlink on a wireless device, including detecting a connection between thewireless device and an external structure associated with the wirelessdevice being positioned in the external structure, the externalstructure comprising one or more physical buttons, and activating groupcommunication functionality in response to detecting the connection.

In an embodiment, a method of receiving a group communication attemptedat a wireless device includes determining whether a group communicationmode is enabled on the wireless device, receiving a talk spurt if thegroup communication mode is enabled on the wireless device, andreceiving a message if the group communication mode is not enabled onthe wireless device. The message may be received, for example, as anoverhead signaling message, a voice note, a SMS, an email, or any otherform of non-PTT communication.

The various embodiments provide a retrofit or adjunct PTT/PTX hard keyinterface capability for a wireless communications device in the form ofa case structure, holster or jacket that includes a hard key inputbutton configured to enable users to use smartphones in a conventionalPTT manner. In another embodiment, a method of initiating a groupcommunication on a wireless device includes positioning the wirelessdevice within an external case that includes a physical buttonconfigured to generate a key-press code when depressed, communicatingthe key-press code to the wireless device when the physical button isdepressed, interpreting the key-press code received from the externalcase as corresponding to a group communication operation, and performingthe group communication operation in response to receiving the key-presscode. The various embodiments may be implemented to initiate and/orreceive communications among a group of devices, or with a single device(e.g., in a one-to-one PTT call).

In the various embodiments, the connection may be a physical connectionbetween the device and the external case, or may be in the form ofwireless data transmission, for example, via Bluetooth® signals. Inembodiments, the external case may further include a power supply, suchas a lithium ion battery to power a Bluetooth® transmitter/receiver. Inthe various embodiments, the external case may be a physical buttonpositioned on the side of the case so as to be positioned like awalkie-talkie key. In an embodiment, the external case may include aglass or plastic outer side that protects a touch screen on thesmartphone while allowing the user to view the display.

In the various embodiments, the wireless communication device mayinclude a PTT/PTX case detection module configured to detect aconnection event or disconnection event associated with a PTT/PTXexternal case. This PTT/PTX case detection module may be a hardware portor a Bluetooth® interface. In response to detecting a connection event,a PTT mode management module may be activated in the wirelesscommunication device to automatically pre-load a PTT/PTX application inthe wireless communication device, switching to an alternative userexperience by removing the PTT/PTX soft-key from the wirelesscommunication device user interface (UI) by presenting a hard keypress/release based PTT/PTX experience instead. The PTT/PTX modemanagement module may also automatically enable various optimizationsassociated with PTT communication, or, in the case of a disconnectionevent, to disable such optimizations. The PTT/PTX external case mayinclude a switch, such as a multi-position switch, that enables users tomanually select different level of optimization. For example in additionto the PTT hard key, the case may also include a switch configured toenable a user to select full optimization (i.e., a full activity mode),medium optimization (i.e., a partial activity mode) and no optimizationfor the PTT/PTX communication. Such PTT/PTX optimizations may include,for example, enabling PTT/PTX features that are customized to the typeof PTT/PTX case, optimizing quality of service (QoS) for PTT/PTXcommunication, enabling Data over Signaling (DoS) to speed up initiationof PTT communications, selecting appropriate paging cycles for thedesired latency on PTT communication (i.e., setting the slot cycle indexon an EVDO device, or configuring DRX for a LTE device), and enablingdynamic switching of vocoders or selection of an optimal vocoderconfiguration, for example, bundling factor, interleaving factor, rateetc. In another example, the PTT/PTX external case may include aplurality of switches.

In another example, the PTT/PTX mode management module may enable aninterface between the applications processor and modem processor of thewireless device so that the applications processor can access PTTcommunication optimizations (e.g., DoS, selection of paging cycles,access vocoder resources, etc.) for running downloaded applications.Further, the PTT/PTX mode management module may loadapplication-specific data presets residing in memory on the PTT/PTXexternal case. Such presets may include, for example, user interfacethemes, alert strings, emoticons, presence status, etc.

In another example, the PTT/PTX application may be fully or partiallyresident on the modem processor itself and the presence of the PTT/PTXexternal case may cause the PTT/PTX mode management module to load datapresets.

Various embodiments include wireless communication devices includingprocessors configured to perform operations of the embodiment methodsdisclosed herein. Various embodiments also include wirelesscommunication devices including means for performing functions of theembodiment methods disclosed herein. Various embodiments also includenon-transitory processor-readable storage media having stored thereonprocessor-executable instructions configured to cause a processor toperform operations of the embodiment methods disclosed herein. Variousembodiments also include communication systems including a wirelessdevice and a removable external structure. Various embodiments alsoinclude external structures for a wireless communication device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitutepart of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments of theinvention, and together with the general description given above and thedetailed description given below, serve to explain the features of theinvention.

FIG. 1 is a representative diagram of a wireless communication devicesuitable for use with various embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating software layers of a group applicationclient that may include push-to-talk (PTT) functionality.

FIG. 3A is an illustration of a wireless device and a PTT/PTX externalcase according to the various embodiments.

FIG. 3B is an illustration of an embodiment wireless device connected toa PTT/PTX external case.

FIG. 3C is an illustration of an embodiment wireless device connected toa PTT/PTX external case.

FIG. 4A is a process flow diagram of an embodiment method of optimizingPTT/PTX communications.

FIG. 4B is a process flow diagram of an embodiment method of activatingand deactivating a PTT/PTX communication mode.

FIG. 4C is a process flow diagram of an embodiment method of controllingcommunication optimizations and features activation on a wireless devicebased on a case switch position.

FIG. 5A is an illustration of a PTT/PTX external case suitable for usewith the various embodiments.

FIGS. 5B and 5C are illustrations of holster PTT/PTX external structuressuitable for use with the various embodiments.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of an embodiment wireless device connected toa PTT/PTX external case.

FIG. 7 is a process flow diagram of an embodiment method of initiating aPTT communication.

FIG. 8A is an illustration of a flip phone wireless device suitable foruse with the various embodiments.

FIG. 8B is an illustration of an embodiment flip phone wireless deviceconnected to a PTT/PTX external case.

FIG. 9 is a system block diagram of a PTT/PTX external case for use withvarious embodiments.

FIG. 10 is a system block diagram of a wireless communication device foruse with various embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The various embodiments will be described in detail with reference tothe accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numberswill be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.References made to particular examples and implementations are forillustrative purposes, and are not intended to limit the scope of theinvention or the claims.

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example,instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as“exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred oradvantageous over other implementations.

The terms “mobile communication device”, “wireless device”, “mobiledevice”, “wireless communications device”, “smartphone”, and “computingdevice” are used interchangeably herein to refer to any one or all ofcellular telephones, smartphones, personal or mobile multi-mediaplayers, personal data assistants (PDA's), laptop computers, tabletcomputers, smartbooks, palm-top computers, wireless electronic mailreceivers, multimedia Internet enabled cellular telephones, wirelessgaming controllers, and similar personal electronic devices whichinclude a programmable processor and memory and circuitry fortransmitting and receiving voice and/or other data over a wirelesscommunication link.

The term “group communication” is used in the following descriptions torefer to a type of communication link functionality that allows a userto simultaneously transmit from a calling device to one or morereceiving devices without requiring an existing connection, including,but not limited to, push-to-talk (PTT) communications, such aspush-to-talk over cellular (PoC) transmissions, push to transmit (PTX),and other push-to-experience communications including, but not limitedto, push-to-content transmissions, push-to-PC calls, push-to-SMSmessages, push-to-locate GPS signals, etc. In the various embodiments,such communications may be half-duplex or full-duplex communications,and may be between a calling device and one or multiple receivingdevices. Since PTT communications is a well known type of groupcommunication, the terms “PTT,” “PTX” and “PTT/PTX” are used herein inthe description of the various aspects for ease of reference. However,the use of “PTT,” “PTX” and “PTT/PTX” in describing the variousembodiments is not intended to limit the nature of the groupcommunication, the methods or devices recited in the claims to PTTand/or or PTX to the exclusion of other types of group communicationunless specifically recited in the claims themselves.

The terms “jacket add-on”, “case”, “external structure” and “externalcase” are used interchangeably herein to refer to any one or all ofprotective cases, covers, jackets, skins, shells, pouches, holsters, andsimilar removable accessories for mobile devices.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of embodiments ofthe invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the”are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the contextclearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that theterms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and/or “including,” whenused herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps,operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude thepresence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps,operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

The current portfolio of smartphones offering PTT and PTX capability islimited and is offered only by a handful of OEMs. Thus, the choice ofhandsets for the end user is limited. In recent times, smartphones havebecome capable of providing PTT and PTX functionality through softwaresolutions, such as downloadable or pre-loaded applications on a varietyof hardware platforms and mobile operating systems. Although thisfunctionality provides flexibility in terms of device selection andobtaining the PTT/PTX software, implementing such functionality ontypical smartphones takes away from the core PTT/PTX experience ofinitiating communication through a dedicated hard key. In particular, ahard key based PTT/PTX experience is more intuitive and provides aneasier transition for hardcore/legacy PTT users (e.g. iDEN). Moreover,soft key and user-interface (UI) based PTT/PTX experience requires auser to look at the device screen to ensure that the right soft keys aretapped, potentially leading to a high rate of false PTT/PTX initiations.Further, a soft key based UI takes up a sizeable portion of the screenspace.

The various embodiments provide a user-friendly mechanism for initiatingcommunication link functionality, such as PTT and other groupcommunications capabilities, in a wireless communication device inconjunction with a special handset jacket add-on. In an embodiment, thejacket add-on is a PTT/PTX external case that provides an exteriorportion fitting the wireless device, and one or more physical buttons orhard keys for executing the communication function. The communicationlink functionality may be provided or initiated by initiating oractivating a communication application, such as a group communicationapplication downloaded or pre-loaded onto the wireless communicationdevice. While the type of communication link functionality that may beinitiated in response to a depress of a physical button or key on theexternal case may be any type of communication, for ease of descriptionthe various embodiments are described below with reference to PTT orgroup communications, which are illustrative examples of communicationlink functionalities. However, the claims are not limited to PTT orgroup communications unless specifically recited.

The various embodiments may be implemented on a wide range of mobilecommunication devices, including most Internet-enabled mobile phones,smartphones, and other wireless communication devices that are notmanufactured with dedicated hardware (e.g., a PTT button) for groupcommunication functionality. The external case according to anembodiment may also be configured with a switch-based selector to enablethe user to choose a specific communication mode or state. In thismanner, the external structure may allow dynamic switching betweenvarious communication modes and/or various availability (i.e.,“presence”) states on the smartphone through user manipulation of theswitch. Examples of communication modes that may be selected throughpositioning of a mode selection switch include, for example, a fullgroup communication mode, a listen-only mode, an offline mode (i.e.,unavailable mode), and a do not disturb mode, to name but a few.Further, manipulation of the switch may set the “presence state”information for the smartphone for incoming communications.

Push-to-talk (PTT) and similar group communication protocols typicallyuse half-duplex communication lines, using a button to switch from voicereception mode to transmit mode. Such communications may be particularlyuseful in group work contexts, such as on construction sites, in controldispatches, police, fire and rescue situations, and in other situationsrequiring coordination between several parties who will benefit fromhearing all communications among all participants. Push-to-Talk overCellular (PoC) is a service option for cellular phone networks thatallows a subscriber to use his or her mobile phone in groupcommunications much like a “walkie-talkie” with unlimited range. PTTcellular calls also provide half-duplex communications in which whileone person transmits, the other participant(s) receive. PoC combines theoperational advantages of PTT with the interference resistance and othervirtues of mobile phones.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example wireless telecommunication device 200 thatincludes software to provide a “Push-To-Talk” (PTT) capability, whichopens a direct communication to a target device, e.g., an endpointassociated with an IP address. In various embodiments, the wirelesscommunication device 200 may include a computer platform 206 that canhandle voice and data packets, execute software applications, andtransmit information across a wireless network. The computer platform206 includes, among other components, a processor 208 such as anapplication-specific integrated circuit (“ASIC”) or a RISC processorsuch as those that implement the ARM architecture. The processor 208 isinstalled at the time of manufacture of the wireless communicationdevice 200 and is not normally upgradeable. The processor 208 or otherprocessing device executes an application programming interface (“API”)layer 210, which includes the resident application environment, and mayinclude the operating system loaded on the processor 208. The residentapplication environment interfaces with any resident programs in thememory 212, e.g., a computer readable storage medium of the wirelesscommunication device 200. An example of a resident applicationenvironment is the “binary runtime environment for wireless” (BREW®)software developed by Qualcomm® for wireless communication deviceplatforms.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the wireless communication device 200 may be awireless communication telephone with a graphics display 204, but mayalso be any wireless device with a computer platform 206 as known in theart, such as a personal digital assistant (PDA), a tablet computer, asmartbook, a pager with a graphics display 204, or even a separatecomputer platform 206 that has a wireless communication portal, and mayotherwise have a wired connection to a network or the Internet. Further,the memory 212 may include any one or more of read-only or random-accessmemory (RAM and ROM), EPROM, EEPROM, flash cards, or any memory commonto computer platforms. The computer platform 206 may also include alocal database 214 for storage of software applications not activelyused in memory 212. The local database 214 is typically comprised of oneor more flash memory cells, but may be any secondary or tertiary storagedevice as known in the art, such as magnetic media, EPROM, EEPROM,optical media, tape, or soft or hard disk. The graphics display 204 maypresent information about an ongoing group call, or other groupcommunication session.

The computer platform 206 may also include a direct communicationinterface 216 that can open a direct communication channel. The directcommunication interface 216 may also be part of the standardcommunication interface for the wireless communication device 200 whichordinarily carries the voice and data transmitted to and from thewireless communication device 200. The direct communication interface216 typically is comprised of hardware as is known in the art.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of one embodiment of the software layers of a groupapplication client that may include, but is not limited to, PTTfunctionality and data package functionality. While the embodiment shownin FIG. 2 is implemented in a PTT session, the present system may beutilized in any group communication session setup for transmission ofvoice and/or data substantially simultaneously among group members. Inan embodiment, the computer platform 206 in the wireless communicationdevice environment may include a series of software “layers” developedon top of the Wireless communication Station Modem (MSM) 218 and theAdvanced Wireless communication Subscriber Software (AMSS) 220,developed by Qualcomm. In this example, the underlying MSM chipset mayimplement the software protocol stack for the entire suite of CDMAcommunication technologies that include CDMA2000 1X and CDMA20001xEV-DO. In this example the AMSS 220 may be configured to support awireless communication operating system layer 222, which in anembodiment is a High Level Operating System (HLOS) (e.g., BREW®developed by Qualcomm) The wireless communication operating system layer222 may provide an application programming interface (API) for chip ordevice-specific operations, while providing an isolation layer thateliminates direct contact to the AMSS 220 and any OEM software on thecomputer platform. The wireless communication operating system layer 222may enable application development that uses wireless communicationdevice features without having to rewrite the application each time anew release of the device-specific software is released.

In this example, the wireless communication operating system 222 mayinclude a PTT client 226 that is configured to offer access to PTTservices through an external interface, here shown at a PTT-aware UI224. The PTT client 226 may include all the functions required to enablea wireless communication operating system 222 application, such as themedia client 228. In an embodiment, the PTT client 226 may maintainaccess to PTT services, respond to communication requests, process allPTT-aware wireless communication operating system applications requestsfor PTT services, process all outgoing PTT requests, collect and packagevocoder packets for originating PTT talk spurts, and parse packets ofvocoder data for terminated PTT talk spurts.

In some embodiments, the software to enable PTT/PTX functionality in thewireless communication device 100 may be pre-installed in the deviceduring device manufacture. In other embodiments, at least a portion ofthe software providing PTT/PTX functionality may be downloaded to thedevice 200 by the user. In some embodiments, the PTT software may be adownloadable application (e.g., a mobile application).

FIG. 3A illustrates an example wireless communication device and anexternal structure, which is referred to herein as a “PTT/PTX externalcase,” configured to accommodate the wireless communication device,according to the various embodiments. The PTT/PTX external case 300 mayprovide the wireless communication device 302 with PTT/PTX functionalitywhen the wireless communication device 302 is connected to the PTT/PTXexternal case 300 a. In an embodiment, the PTT/PTX external case 300 mayinclude a physical button in the form of a hard key 304, the use ofwhich is described in further detail below with reference to FIG. 7. Inan embodiment, the hard key 304 may be positioned on the side of thePTT/PTX external case 300 a, thereby providing an overall feel that issimilar to a conventional walkie-talkie. In the various embodiments, thePTT/PTX external case may include a glass or plastic outer side toprotect the touch screen device while allowing the user to view thedisplay. The physical button (e.g., hard key 304) may be any known typeof button, and may be made similar to a conventional PTT button inshape, feel and movements.

In an embodiment, an operational connection of the wireless device andthe PTT/PTX external case may be accomplished by a physical connection.A physically connected configuration of a wireless communication deviceand PTT/PTX external case is shown in FIG. 3B. In this embodiment, thePTT/PTX external case 300 b may include a connection plug 306 configuredto mate with a network connection socket in the wireless communicationdevice 302, such as a USB socket or an iPhone 30 pin dock connectorport, thereby providing both a mechanical and electrical connection. Inan alternative embodiment, shown in FIG. 3C, the wireless communicationdevice 302 may detect a connection event by receiving a short rangewireless signal communication (e.g., Bluetooth®, NFC, etc.) from theexternal structure, such as a PTT/PTX external case 300 c. The PTT/PTXexternal case 300 c may draw power for a Bluetooth® module from aphysical connection with the device, for example, through asmartphone-specific port. Alternatively, the PTT/PTX external case 300 cmay have its own power supply, such as a small battery.

FIG. 4A illustrates an embodiment for enabling communication linkfunctionality optimizations on a wireless device. In block 402 of method400, a connection event may be detected by a wireless device, such asthe wireless device 302 illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3C. The connection eventmay be determined, for example, by detecting a physical connection witha PTT/PTX external case, or by receiving a short distance signalcommunication is received at the wireless device from a PTT/PTX externalcase. For example, the connection event may trigger the wireless deviceto enter a push-to-talk mode (i.e., “PTT mode”), described in furtherdetail below with reference to FIG. 4B.

In an embodiment, recognizing a connection event between the wirelessdevice and the external case in block 402 may be performed by softwareprovided on the wireless device, for example a PTT/PTX case detectionmodule. This PTT/PTX case detection module may be either hardware portbased or Bluetooth® interface based, depending on the type of connectionbetween the PTT/PTX external case and the wireless communicationsdevice.

In optional block 404, the wireless device 302 and the PTT/PTX externalcase 300 may exchange authentication information. This authenticationinformation may be in the form of an identifier that is communicatedfrom the PTT/PTX external case 300 to the wireless device 302 that thewireless device can compare to stored identifiers to determine whetherthe case is the user's case, is a brand or model of case approved forthe wireless device, etc. Similarly, the wireless device 302 maytransmit an identifier that the PTT/PTX external case 300 can use toperform a similar verification function. For example, the wirelessdevice 302 may be configured to only implement group communicationfeatures using a specific PTT/PTX external case. Further, the PTT/PTXexternal case may be configured to only pass data and features to theuser's wireless device, thereby protecting against unauthorized use incase of theft. Therefore, various credentials used for authenticationmay be exchanged using any of the various methods commonly known ininformation security.

In block 406, an identifier may be communicated from the PTT/PTXexternal case 300 and may be received by the wireless device 302, suchas part of a handshaking procedure. The identifier may be, for example,a key code, a secret value specified by the user or an organizationproviding the group communication capability, or a value set by amanufacturer and stored in read only memory. Alternatively, a simplechipset on the PTT/PTX external case may store a hardware identifierwhich may be set at manufacturing or is programmable, similar to a SIMcard used in mobile communication devices. Using the identifier receivedby the communication link, in block 408, the wireless device maydetermine the type of the external case.

For example, using the identifier the wireless device 302 may determinewhether the case 300 is designated as specialized for particular groupcommunication types. As another example, the identifier or other codeinformation communicated by the case to the wireless device may identifya features set that is configured on the PTT/PTX external case (i.e.,PTT/PTX optimizations). For example, cases may be optimized orconfigured for specific function sets, such as PTT, PTT/PTX, alert-only,PTT with alert, and other group call feature sets. So, the identifierprovided by the case may inform the wireless device of the type of casewith which it is coupled.

As another example, the PTT/PTX external case may come preloaded withgroup definitions and be configured to pass on that information to thesmartphone when the case is put on. This would allow the smartphone tohave temporary access to that group while the case is on the smartphone.Alternatively the PTT/PTX external case may be pre-configured withcanned messages/emoticons, allowing cases to be custom configured andoptimized for particular users (e.g., companies or organizationspurchasing standard cases for their employees) and to enable a richerexperience for a given feature set.

In block 410, the wireless device may activate a communicationfunctionality in response to detecting the connection to the externalcase (block 402). The type of communication functionality activated inblock 410 may depend upon the identifier received from the external casein block 406 and/or the type of feature set of the external casedetermined in block 408. For example, if the identifier, type or featureset indicates that the external case is configured for supportingPTT/PTX communication links, in block 410 the wireless device may enablePTT/PTX communication link functionalities and enable one or more of thefeatures of the PTT/PTX external case to prepare it for use in groupcommunications. For example, the wireless device may send a signal tothe case to cause it to enable the PTT hard key and/or activate a farfield speaker and/or a far-field microphone (if the case includes eitheror both of a far field microphone and far-field speaker phone element).Also as part of activating the communication link functionality in block410, the wireless device may implement actions to optimize the deviceand its communication links with a wireless network to commence groupcommunications. For example, a number of communication settingsassociated with conducting a group communication (e.g., PTT/PTX) may beautomatically implemented or requested by the wireless device 302 inresponse to establishing the communication link with a case 300. Suchautomatic communication settings may include: requesting a level ofQuality of Service (QoS) suitable for group communication; requesting amobile data-over-signaling (MO-DOS) which is a fast signaling channelover EVDO channels used in PTT and other group communication settings;and setting the source cycling index (SCI) which controls the frequencyat which the wireless device activates its radio to receivecommunications. Additionally, the wireless device may set operatingconditions to support group communications in block 410, such asdisabling its display screen, disabling a touch-screen, etc.

In another embodiment, the PTT/PTX external case may be configured withstored contact information that is accessible to the wireless devicewhile connected to the case. Such contacts may appear on the wirelessdevice in one or more additional contact groups, such as additions tothe user's contact database. For example, an employer may provide eachemployee with a PTT/PTX external case that communicates an additional“Work” group contacts list to their employees' personal wireless deviceswhen the case is attached. Thus, while at work employees may coupletheir personal wireless devices to the company-provided PTT/PTX externalcase in order to have ready access to groups of workers they willcommunicate with during the work day. In another embodiment, the PTT/PTXexternal case may be configured with information defining one or moregroups of contacts that is to be stored in the wireless device memory.While connected to the PTT/PTX external case, a user's contacts storedin the wireless device may be assigned into various contact groups, suchas “Personal” and “Work.” In another embodiment, a PTT/PTX external casemay also provide features that optimize communications with contactgroups defined by the PTT/PTX external case. In this manner, employerscan enable employees to own their own wireless communication devicesthat they use on their own time, while ensuring employees have readycommunication access to company groups, resources and externalauthorities when they are at work.

In an embodiment, the connection event may cause the mobilecommunication device and PTT/PTX external case to activate acommunication link functionality in the form of a group communicationmode (e.g., a PTT/PTX mode), an example of which is shown in FIG. 4B. Inblock 452 of method 450, the wireless device 302 may be received by anexternal structure, for example, a PTT/PTX external case 300. In block454, a PTT/PTX case detection module may detect a connection event. Inoptional block 455, the PTT/PTX case detection module may detect aposition of a configuration switch, such as a multi-position switch 604,912 (see FIGS. 6 and 9), and determine from the switch position anoptimization setting to be implemented on the wireless device 302 (e.g.,full optimization, medium optimization or no optimization). In responseto detecting the connection event at the PTT/PTX case detection module,a communication link functionality in the form of a PTT/PTT modemanagement module on the wireless device may be activated, block 456,and optionally communication optimizations may be implemented based on aswitch position as determined in optional block 455.

Once activated, the PTT/PTX mode management module may function to allowswitching between a plurality of possible PTT/PTX modes, and variousPTT/PTX optimization features that are available through the PTT/PTXexternal case, as described in further detail below with reference toFIG. 6.

As mentioned above, the features set on a PTT/PTX external case mayprovide a variety of different group communication (e.g., PTT/PTX)optimizations that may all be automatically enabled on a wireless devicewhen it is coupled to the case in block 410 of method 400 (FIG. 4A).Such optimizations may include, for example, enabling PTT/PTX featuresthat are customized to the type of PTT/PTX external case (size, shape,features, etc.) The PTT/PTX optimizations may also include thoserelating to the quality of the PTT/PTX communication. For example, thePTT/PTX mode management module may enable DOS (Data over Signaling) inorder to speed up initiation of the PTT/PTX communication. In anotherexample, the PTT/PTX mode management module may select the proper pagingsignals for the lowest latency PTT communication. Further, the PTT/PTXmode management module may enable dynamic switching of vocoders andselection of optimal vocoder based on, for example, bundling factor,interleaving factor, etc.

In another example of optimizations that may be implemented in block 410in response to detecting connection to an external case, the PTT/PTXmode management module may enable an interface between the applicationsprocessor and modem processor of the wireless device so that theapplications processor can access PTT communication optimizations (e.g.,DoS, selection of paging signals, vocoder selection, etc.) for runningdownloaded applications. Further the PTT/PTX mode management module mayload application-specific data presets residing in memory on the PTT/PTXexternal case. Such data presets may include, for example, userinterface themes, alert strings, emoticons, presence status, etc. Inthis manner, the features set provided by the PTT/PTX external caseconnection may be further customized for a richer user experience or toimplement employer desired features.

In another embodiment, the PTT/PTX mode management module may enabledata transfers to the PTT/PTX external case via a network to which thewireless device is connected. For example, when the wireless device andPTT/PTX external case are connected together, new features (e.g., datapresets, hardware settings, contact groups, etc.) and/or updates tofeatures already stored on the external case may be sent by a serverover a wireless communication network and received at the wirelessdevice. The PTT/PTX mode management module may cause received featuresto be stored and implemented on the PTT/PTX external case. Once thePTT/PTX external case is disconnected from the wireless device, the newor updated features may remain resident in memory of the PTT/PTXexternal case.

In another embodiment, the PTT/PTX mode management module may enable ordisable specific hardware features in order to optimize groupcommunications in block 410 (i.e., in response to detecting couplingwith a PTT/PTX external case). Such hardware features may be present inthe wireless device itself. For example, the PTT/PTX mode managementmodule may disable a display and/or touch screen of the wireless device,thereby saving battery power. Additionally, the PTT/PTX mode managementmodule may optimize group communications by enabling hardware featuresthat are provided in the external structure. An example of an externalstructure according to this embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 5A. Theexternal structure 500 may be configured, for example, with a hardwarefeature such as speaker 502. When the wireless device 302 is connectedwith the external structure 500, the PTT/PTX mode management module mayactivate the speaker 502. FIGS. 5B and 5C illustrate alternativeembodiments of a PTT/PTX external structure 504, 506 in the form of aholster. In some embodiments, a wireless device may be coupled with acase, such as PTT/PTX external case 300 in FIGS. 3A-3C, and the case 300and/or wireless device may be further coupled with a holster 504, 506 toenable PTT/PTX features beyond those provided by the PTT/PTX externalcase 300 alone. In an embodiment, the holster 504, 506 may be configuredwith various hardware features. For example, as shown in FIG. 5B,holster 504 may be configured with a far-field microphone 508. Whenconnected with holster 504, the PTT/PTX mode management module mayactivate the far-field microphone 508, in addition to the optimizationsprovided by the case. In this manner, a user may be able to initiategroup communications without removing the wireless device and case fromthe holster. FIG. 5C illustrates another example a PTT/PTX external casein the form of a holster 506 that may be configured with a far-fieldmicrophone 508 and a far-field speaker 502 to support hands free groupcommunications. When connected with the holster 506, the PTT/PTX modemanagement module may activate the far-field microphone 508 and thefar-field speaker 502, thereby allowing the user to both initiate andreceive group communications without removing the wireless device andcase from the holster.

The PTT mode of the wireless device 302 may be always on, that is, thedevice may continue to operate in the PTT mode for the duration of theconnection to the PTT/PTX external case 300. In order to revert to thenormal state of the wireless device, the PTT/PTX case detection modulemay be configured to recognize when the wireless device has been removedfrom the case. For example, in determination block 458 of embodimentmethod 450 shown in FIG. 4B, the PTT/PTX case detection module maydetermine whether a disconnection event has occurred. So long as adisconnection event is not detected by the PTT/PTX case detection module(i.e., determination block 458=“No”), the wireless device 302 may remainin PTT mode and receive/process PTT communications. When a disconnectionevent is detected by the PTT/PTX case detection module (i.e.,determination block 458=“Yes”), the PTT/PTX case detection module maycause the PTT optimizations on the wireless device to be disabled inblock 462, such as by de-activating the PTT/PTX mode management module.Additionally, as part of block 462, the wireless device may also takeother actions to revert to normal operations, such as activating adisplay or touchscreen, reverting to normal SCI settings, requesting aQoS level commensurate with normal cellular telephone operations, anddeactivating a MO-DOS channel if open. These deactivations may be takenwithout user action or knowledge, so that removing the wireless devicefrom the PTT/PTX external case automatically configures the device tofunction as a normal phone. As part of block 462, the case may also takeactions to deactivate all group communication (e.g., PTT) capabilitiesor settings, such as deactivating a speaker and microphone.

In addition to providing a set of features that support PTT/PTXcommunications on a wireless device, such as in PTT mode, a PTT/PTXexternal case may be configured to allow a user to choose to activateless than all of the enabled features by selecting one of a plurality ofparticular communication modes/states. In an embodiment method 464,shown in FIG. 4C, a mode-selection switch such as a multi-positionswitch 604, 912 (see FIGS. 6 and 9) on the PTT/PTX external case mayconfigured implement different user presence settings and hardware orsoftware features sets, in addition to PTT/PTX optimizations. In method464, blocks 462 and 464 may be identical to blocks 452 and 454 ofembodiment method 450, described above. In block 466, the PTT/PTX casedetection module may detect the current position of the mode-selectionswitch on the PTT/PTX external case. In block 468, based on themode-selection switch position, the wireless device 302 may apply aspecific user presence status, enable a particular hardware or softwarefeatures set, or activate the PTT/PTX mode management module in order toactivate a PTT/PTX optimization mode. These options that may be providedon the PTT/PTX external case by the mode-selection switch in the variousembodiments are described in further detail with respect to FIG. 6.

In an embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, a PTT/PTX external case 602 maybe configured with a mode selection switch 604 to enable a user tomanual select different operating modes. The mode selection switch 604may interface with the PTT/PTX mode management module to instruct thewireless device regarding a sub-set of PTT/PTX optimizations that shouldbe activated, hardware features that should be enabled or disabled,and/or any other settings that should be implemented in the selectedmode.

For example, a user may move the mode selection switch 604 to select anyone of the various communication modes that are provided by the PTT/PTXexternal case 602 (e.g., one of four modes as illustrated in FIG. 6).Each of the communication modes may be associated with a sub-set of thefeatures that are supported by the PTT/PTX external case, creating auser presence state for various group communications that is based onthe selected communication mode. In another example, the PTT/PTX casemay be configured with a plurality of communication features sets, witheach position of the mode selection switch 604 associated with adifference features set. In addition, the user's contacts or otherdesignated group may be able to see an indication of the communicationmode in which the user's wireless device is presently configured, and/orbe informed when the user switches to a different communication mode.Thus, parties attempting to communicate with the user in a groupcommunication may be informed in advance of the user's presence statefor that type of group communication, thereby informing the parties inadvance whether such communication is optimized and/or enabled on theuser's device.

For example, in a “Do Not Disturb” or “alert-only” communication mode, awireless device may activate all group communication optimizationsprovided by the PTT/PTX external case except for activation of thespeaker. When a PTT communication is sent to wireless device in “Do NotDisturb” mode, the user may receive a voice note or other groupcommunication alert indicating the attempted communication instead ofreceiving the group communication talk spurts through the speaker. Inanother example, when the wireless device is in a mode in which thecapability for receiving talk spurts is disabled (e.g., a “Do NotDisturb” mode), if a group communication is attempted, the wirelessdevice may be configured to automatically transmit an incomplete callnotification to the sender.

In another example, the PTT external case may support a “Listen-Only”selectable communication mode. In a listen-only mode, a wireless devicemay activate the optimizations provided by the PTT/PTX external casethat relate to receiving group communications, including the speaker,but deactivate features that would allow the user to initiate orcommunicate in group communications. In another example, the PTT/PTXexternal case may support an “Unavailable” communication mode. In thiscommunication mode, the wireless device may disable all groupcommunication optimizations, thereby providing the same effect as if thewireless device were removed from the case, with the possible exceptionof physical settings commensurate with being within the holster orexternal case, such as deactivation of the display or touchscreen.

As discussed above, the PTT/PTX external case 602 may include a physicalbutton or hard key 606 or button which a user may depress to initiate agroup communication session or transmit a PTT communication talk spurt.In an embodiment, pressing the hard key 604 may initiate a groupcommunication session via the wireless communication device (e.g., a PTTcommunication talk spurt).

A software application enabling PTT functionality may cause a wirelessdevice 302 to respond to hard key events on the PTT/PTX external case602. FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment method of initiating a PTT/PTXcommunication on a wireless device connected with a PTT/PTX externalcase (as described above with respect to FIGS. 3B and 3C) and on whichgroup communication optimizations are enabled (as described above withrespect to FIGS. 4A and 4B). In block 702 of method 700, a user inputmay be received by circuitry in the in the form of a key press at a hardkey on PTT/PTX external case. For example, the hard key of the PTT/PTXexternal case may include conventional circuitry for detecting the keypress, which in an embodiment may be connected to a Bluetooth® wirelesstransceiver. In block 704, a key-press code or other function code orsymbol may be communicated to the wireless device via Bluetooth® or vianetwork port. In the embodiment including a Bluetooth® wirelesstransceiver, the button circuitry and transceiver may be configured toestablish and maintain a Bluetooth® link between the case and thesmartphone for the duration of the time that the wireless device isrunning the group communication software application, and to transmitthe key-press code or symbol to the smartphone via the Bluetooth® linkwhen the physical button or hard key 606 is depressed. In an embodimentin which the external case circuitry plugs into a network socket on thephone (e.g., USB, iPhone dock, etc.), the button circuitry may beconfigured to communicate a key-press code to the smartphone processorvia the wired network connection or interface. In both embodiments, aPTT/PTX application, for example, running on the wireless device mayinterpret the received key-press code as a push-to-talk activation eventthat initiates a push-to-talk function in block 706. In an exampleembodiment, the PTT/PTX application may be running on the wirelessdevice. In another example embodiment, the PTT/PTX application may befully or partially resident on the modem processor, and the presence ofthe PTT/PTX external case may cause the PTT/PTX mode management moduleto load data presets. In block 708, the push-to-talk communication(i.e., push-to-talk transmission) is initiated with a device of acontact, as if a touch on a touchscreen interface had been received. Inthis manner, the physical button or hard key 606 on the PTT/PTX externalcase takes the place of a PTT virtual key that would otherwise beimplemented on a touch screen interface of the wireless device by thePTT/PTX application.

The manner in which the PTT/PTX application interprets the key-presscode as initiating a push-to-talk function may vary based on the type ofconnection between the PTT/PTX external case and the wireless device. Inan embodiment in which the wireless device is connected to the PTT/PTXexternal case by a physical connector port (e.g., a smartphone-specificconnector port), when a user depresses the physical button or hard key606, the transmitted key-press code may trigger a hardware interruptwithin a processor of the wireless device. That is, the key-press codetransmitted to the wireless device may function as a key press eventnotification signal. This key press event notification may trigger a PTThard key interrupt subroutine, which calls a PTT hard key interrupthandler that causes the events to be translated to user actions on theapplication. The subroutine and the PTT hard key interrupt handler maybe provided by the PTT/PTX application.

In an alternative embodiment in which the wireless device is connectedto the PTT/PTX external case by a Bluetooth® interface, theinterpretation of a received key-press code may involve steps related toreceiving the signal via the Bluetooth link, performing normal wirelesssignal verification and error correcting operations to obtain thetransmitted symbol, interpreting the received symbol to recognize thatit corresponds to a key-press event, and then passing a key-press eventnotification to the PTT application software.

Operations for determining when a user releases the hard key, indicatingtermination of a talk spurt or PTX session, may be accomplished in amanner similar to the operations described above for recognizing andacting on the depression of the hard key by the user.

The material, size and shape of the PTT/PTX external case may bedesigned to fit different types of wireless communications devices. Forexample, FIG. 8A illustrates a flip phone 800, shown in its opened andclosed positions. Due to the relative motion of the two flip phonepieces, a PTT/PTX external case designed for such a wireless devicerequires allowance for such motion. An example PTT/PTX external casedesigned to hold a flip phone 802 is shown in FIG. 8B. In thisembodiment, the PTT/PTX external case 802 is configured in a pouch shapeto receive the flip phone 800 in a closed configuration. In this manner,should a user wish to open the flip phone 800 to make a conventionalcall or check a display (e.g., to read an SMS message or email), thephone can be easily removed by lifting it from the PTT/PTX external case802.

There are a variety of components that may be incorporated in a PTT/PTXexternal case in order to implement the group communication capabilitiesdescribed above on a wireless device. The PTT/PTX external case mayfurther include a power supply, such as a lithium ion battery to power aBluetooth® transceiver. In some embodiments, the PTT/PTX external casemay include a data storage device (e.g., memory) and a controller (e.g.,processor or CPU) configured to execute instructions associated withgroup communication functionality, for example, PTT/PTX functionality,in the PTT/PTX external case and through the PTT/PTX application. Thedata storage device may have the PTT/PTX application software storedthereon, which may be downloaded to the smartphone memory to execute theapplication and to communicate via push-to-talk. The PTT/PTX applicationmay be configured to perform further functions within the wirelessdevice, for example, to cause the wireless device to power down thetouch screen display in order to save power when communicating viaPTT/PTX.

A PTT/PTX controller may be implemented on a single chip, multiple chipsor multiple electrical components. For example, various architecturesmay be used for the PTT/PTX controller, including dedicated or embeddedprocessor, single purpose processor, controller, ASIC, etc. The PTT/PTXdata storage device may be read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory(RAM), flash memory, and combinations thereof. Such components may beimplemented on a single chip, multiple chips or multiple electricalcomponents. The PTT/PTX data storage device may alternatively oradditionally include a solid state disk, a hard disk drive (e.g., amicro drive) and/or an interface socket for receiving removable storagedevice or memory cards (e.g., SD cards). In addition to the hard keyrelated to PTT/PTX functionality, the PTT/PTX external case may includeadditional input devices, for example, additional buttons or keys, touchpads, touch sensing surfaces, or mechanical actuators, such as buttons,switches, keys or wheels.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a PTT/PTX external case 900 that may beutilized in implementing the various embodiments. The PTT/PTX externalcase 900 may include a processor 902 coupled to internal memory 904 anda Bluetooth® wireless transceiver 906 coupled to the processor 902. ThePTT/PTX external case may further include one or more physical keyscoupled to the processor 902, such as a hard PTT key 908 and amulti-position mode or capabilities selection switch 912. The processor902 may also be connected to a battery 910 to enable the PTT/PTXexternal case to operate without drawing power from the wirelesscommunication device.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a wireless communication device thatmay be utilized in implementing the various embodiments. The wirelesscommunication device, such as a smartphone 1000, may include a processor1001 coupled to memory 1002 and to a radio frequency (RF) data modem1005. The modem 1005 may be coupled to an antenna 1004 for receiving andtransmitting RF signals. The smartphone 700 may also include a display1003, such as a touch screen display. The mobile device 1000 may alsoinclude user input devices, such as buttons 1006, to receive userinputs. The mobile device processor 1001 may be any programmablemicroprocessor, microcomputer or multiple processor chip or chips thatcan be configured by software instructions (applications) to perform avariety of functions, including the functions of the various embodimentsdescribed herein. Typically, software applications may be stored in theinternal memory 1002 before they are accessed and loaded into theprocessor 1001. In some mobile computing devices, additional memorychips (e.g., a Secure Data (SD) card) may be plugged into the mobiledevice and coupled to the processor 1001. The internal memory 1002 maybe a volatile or nonvolatile memory, such as flash memory, or a mixtureof both. For the purposes of this description, a general reference tomemory refers to all memory accessible by the processor 1001, includinginternal memory 1002, removable memory plugged into the mobile device,and memory within the processor 1001.

The hardware used to implement the various illustrative logics, logicalblocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with theembodiments disclosed herein may be implemented or performed with ageneral purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), anapplication specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmablegate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate ortransistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combinationthereof designed to perform the functions described herein. Ageneral-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but, in thealternative, the processor may be any conventional processor,controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also beimplemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combinationof a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one ormore microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other suchconfiguration. Alternatively, some steps or methods may be performed bycircuitry that is specific to a given function.

In one or more exemplary embodiments, the functions described may beimplemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof.If implemented in software, the functions may be stored as one or moreinstructions or code on a non-transitory computer-readable medium. Thesteps of a method or algorithm disclosed herein may be embodied in aprocessor-executable software module which may reside on anon-transitory computer-readable medium or processor-readable medium.Non-transitory computer-readable and processor-readable media may be anyavailable media that may be accessed by a computer or processor. By wayof example, and not limitation, such non-transitory computer-readablemedia may comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical diskstorage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or anyother medium that may be used to carry or store desired program code inthe form of instructions or data structures and that may be accessed bya computer. Disk and disc, as used herein, includes compact disc (CD),laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk, andblu-ray disc where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, whilediscs reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the aboveshould also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.Additionally, the operations of a method or algorithm may reside as oneor any combination or set of codes and/or instructions on anon-transitory processor-readable medium and/or computer-readablemedium, which may be incorporated into a computer program product.

The preceding description of the disclosed embodiments is provided toenable any person skilled in the art to make or use the presentinvention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readilyapparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles definedherein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from thescope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended tobe limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded thewidest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosedherein.

The foregoing method descriptions and the process flow diagrams areprovided merely as illustrative examples and are not intended to requireor imply that the steps of the various embodiments must be performed inthe order presented. As will be appreciated by one of skill in the artthe order of steps in the foregoing embodiments may be performed in anyorder. Words such as “thereafter,” “then,” “next,” etc. are not intendedto limit the order of the steps; these words are simply used to guidethe reader through the description of the methods. Further, anyreference to claim elements in the singular, for example, using thearticles “a,” “an” or “the” is not to be construed as limiting theelement to the singular.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for enabling a communication link on awireless device, comprising: detecting a connection between the wirelessdevice and an external structure associated with the wireless devicebeing positioned in the external structure, the external structurecomprising one or more physical buttons; and activating thecommunication link functionality in response to detecting theconnection.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising deactivatingthe communication link functionality in response to detecting adisconnection of the wireless device from the external structure.
 3. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the external structure is a case for thewireless device.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the externalstructure is a holster configured to hold the wireless device.
 5. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising: receiving a key-press code fromthe external structure at the wireless device; interpreting thekey-press code received from the external structure as a push-to-talkactivation event; and activating a push-to-talk transmission in responseto receiving the key-press code.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein thekey-press code from the external structure is received at the wirelessdevice in response to a depressing of one or more of the physicalbuttons on the external structure.
 7. The method of claim 1, whereinpower is provided to the external structure from the wireless device viaa connector port.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the externalstructure comprises a battery configured to provide power to theexternal structure.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein activating groupcommunication functionality comprises: determining a type and a featuresset of the external structure; and activating a mode on the wirelessdevice based on the determined type and features set.
 10. The method ofclaim 9, wherein activating a mode on the wireless device comprises:executing a group communications application; and enabling, on thewireless device, one or more features of the features set.
 11. Themethod of claim 10, wherein the features set comprises one or more datapresets associated with group communications, wherein the one or moredata presets are stored in the external structure.
 12. The method ofclaim 11, wherein the one or more data presets are transferred from theexternal structure to the wireless device.
 13. The method of claim 1,further comprising receiving an identifier from the external structure.14. The method of claim 13, wherein the identifier is a credential thatauthenticates the external structure to the wireless device.
 15. Themethod of claim 13, wherein the identifier is received by a physicalconnection between the wireless device and the external structure. 16.The method of claim 15, wherein the physical connection is through asmartphone-specific connector port on the wireless device.
 17. Themethod of claim 13, wherein the identifier is received over a shortdistance communication from the external structure to the wirelessdevice.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the short distancecommunication is one of a Bluetooth® signal and a near fieldcommunication.
 19. The method of claim 1, wherein activating acommunication link functionality comprises: determining a type andfeatures set of the external structure; executing a group communicationsapplication on the wireless device; and enabling one or more groupcommunication capabilities that are supported by the external structure.20. The method of claim 19, wherein enabling one or more groupcommunication capabilities comprises disabling a display screen of thewireless device when the wireless device receives a group communication.21. The method of claim 19, wherein enabling one or more groupcommunication capabilities comprises enabling a speaker on the externalstructure.
 22. The method of claim 19, wherein enabling one or moregroup communication capabilities comprises activating a far fieldmicrophone on the external structure.
 23. The method of claim 19,wherein the external structure is configured to implement a plurality ofmodes in the wireless device, wherein each of the modes is associatedwith enabling on the wireless device a different subset of the featuresset.
 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the external structure includesa switch, the method further comprising implementing one of theplurality of modes based on a position of the switch.
 25. The method ofclaim 19, wherein the features set comprises a plurality of featuressets, wherein each of the plurality of features sets is related to oneof optimizing group communications and setting a user presence state forincoming communications.
 26. The method of claim 25, wherein: theexternal structure includes a plurality of switches, wherein each of theswitches is associated with one of the plurality of features sets; theexternal structure is configured to implement a plurality of modes inthe wireless device, wherein each of the modes is associated withenabling on the wireless device a different subset of one of theplurality of features sets; and the method further comprisesimplementing one of the plurality of modes based on a position of one ofthe switches.
 27. The method of claim 24, wherein one of the pluralityof modes is a listen-only mode, wherein the listen-only mode isassociated with: enabling a capability for receiving talk spurts at thewireless device; activating a speaker on the wireless device; anddisabling a capability for initiating group communications.
 28. Themethod of claim 24, wherein one of plurality of modes is an alert-onlymode, wherein the alert-only mode is associated with: enabling acapability for receiving group communication alerts at the wirelessdevice; disabling a capability for receiving talk spurts; and disablinga capability for initiating group communications.
 29. The method ofclaim 24, wherein one of the plurality of modes is an offline mode,wherein the offline mode is associated with disabling all groupcommunication capabilities.
 30. The method of claim 24, wherein one ofthe plurality of modes is a push-to-talk mode, wherein the push-to-talkmode is associated with: enabling a capability for receivingpush-to-talk communications; and enabling a capability for initiatingpush-to-talk communications.
 31. The method of claim 24, wherein one ofthe plurality of modes is a full activity mode, wherein the fullactivity mode comprises enabling all group communication capabilitiesthat are supported by the external structure.
 32. The method of claim24, further comprising: determining whether a group communication modeis enabled on the wireless device; receiving a talk spurt if the groupcommunication mode is enabled on the wireless device; and receiving areceiving a voice note containing speech recorded from the groupcommunication attempt if the group communication mode is not enabled onthe wireless device.
 33. The method of claim 24, further comprisingsending an incomplete call notification to a sender of the groupcommunication attempt when it is determined that the wireless device isnot in the group communication mode.
 34. A wireless device, comprising:a radio frequency data modem; a memory; and a processor coupled to theradio frequency data modem and to the memory, wherein the processor isconfigured to perform operations comprising: detecting a connection toan external structure that is configured to accept the wireless device,wherein the external structure has one or more physical buttons; andactivating communication link functionality in response to detecting theconnection.
 35. The wireless device of claim 34, wherein the processoris configured to perform operations further comprising: detecting adisconnection from the external structure; and deactivating thecommunication link functionality in response to detecting thedisconnection.
 36. The wireless device of claim 34, wherein detecting aconnection to the external structure that is configured to accept thewireless device comprises detecting a connection to a case for thewireless device.
 37. The wireless device of claim 34, wherein detectinga connection to the external structure that is configured to accept thewireless device comprises detecting a connection to a holster that isconfigured to hold the wireless device.
 38. The wireless device of claim34, wherein the processor is configured to perform operations furthercomprising: receiving a key-press code from the external structure;interpreting the key-press code received from the external structure asa push-to-talk activation event; and activating a push-to-talktransmission in response to receiving the key-press code.
 39. Thewireless device of claim 38, wherein the processor is configured suchthat receiving the key-press code from the external structure comprisesreceiving a signal transmitted from the external structure, wherein thesignal is transmitted in response to depression of one or more physicalbuttons on the external structure.
 40. The wireless device of claim 34,further comprising a battery, wherein the battery provides power to theexternal structure via a connector port while the external structure isconnected to the wireless device.
 41. The wireless device of claim 34,wherein the processor is configured such that activating groupfunctionality comprises: determining a type and features set of theexternal structure; and activating a mode on the wireless device basedon the determined type and features set.
 42. The wireless device ofclaim 41, wherein the processor is configured such that activating amode on the wireless device comprises: executing a group communicationsapplication; and enabling on the wireless device one or more features ofthe features set.
 43. The wireless device of claim 41, wherein thefeatures set comprises one or more data presets associated with groupcommunications, wherein the one or more data presets are stored in theexternal structure.
 44. The wireless device of claim 43, wherein theprocessor is configured to perform operations further comprising:receiving the one or more data presets from the external structure,wherein the data presets are received through a physical connection withthe external structure or a short distance communication from theexternal structure.
 45. The wireless device of claim 34, wherein theprocessor is configured to perform operations further comprisingreceiving an identifier from the external structure.
 46. The wirelessdevice of claim 45, wherein the identifier is a credential thatauthenticates the external structure to the wireless device.
 47. Thewireless device of claim 45, wherein the processor is configured suchthat receiving the identifier from the external structure comprisesreceiving the identifier through a physical connection with the externalstructure.
 48. The wireless device of claim 47, wherein the wirelessdevice further comprises a smartphone-specific connector port, andwherein receiving the identifier through a physical connection with theexternal structure comprises receiving the identifier through thesmartphone-specific connector port.
 49. The wireless device of claim 45,wherein the processor is configured such that receiving the identifierfrom the external structure comprises receiving the identifier over ashort distance communication from the external structure.
 50. Thewireless device of claim 49, wherein the short distance communication isone of a Bluetooth® signal and a near field communication.
 51. Thewireless device of claim 34, wherein the processor is configured suchthat activating communication link functionality comprises: determininga type and features set provided by the external structure; executing agroup communications application; and enabling one or more groupcommunication capabilities that are supported by the external structure.52. The wireless device of claim 51, wherein the processor is configuredsuch that enabling one or more group communication capabilitiescomprises disabling a display screen of the wireless device when thewireless device receives a group communication.
 53. The wireless deviceof claim 51, wherein the processor is configured such that enabling oneor more group communication capabilities comprises enabling a speaker onthe external structure.
 54. The wireless device of claim 51, wherein theprocessor is configured such that enabling one or more groupcommunication capabilities comprises activating a far field microphoneon the external structure.
 55. The wireless device of claim 51, whereinthe processor is configured to perform operations further comprisingimplementing a plurality of modes provided by the external structure,wherein each of the modes is associated with enabling on the wirelessdevice a different subset of the features set.
 56. The wireless deviceof claim 55, wherein the processor is configured such that implementingthe plurality of modes provided by the external structure comprisesimplementing a mode based on a position of a switch on the externalstructure.
 57. The wireless device of claim 51, wherein the processor isconfigured such that determining the features set of the externalstructure comprises determining a plurality of features sets of theexternal structure, wherein each of the plurality of features setsrelates to one of optimizing group communications and setting a userpresence state for incoming communications.
 58. The wireless device ofclaim 57, wherein: the processor is configured to perform operationsfurther comprising implementing a plurality of modes provided by theexternal structure, wherein each of the modes is associated withenabling on the wireless device a different subset of one of theplurality of features sets; and the processor is configured to performoperations further comprising implementing one of the plurality of modesbased on a position of one of a plurality of switches on the externalstructure.
 59. The wireless device of claim 56, wherein one of theplurality of modes is a listen-only mode, wherein the listen-only modeis associated with: enabling a capability for receiving talk spurts atthe wireless device; activating a speaker on the wireless device; anddisabling a capability for initiating group communications.
 60. Thewireless device of claim 56, wherein one of plurality of modes is analert-only mode, wherein the alert-only mode is associated with:enabling a capability for receiving group communication alerts;disabling a capability for receiving talk spurts; and disabling acapability for initiating group communications.
 61. The wireless deviceof claim 56, wherein one of the plurality of modes is an offline mode,wherein the offline mode is associated with disabling all groupcommunication capabilities.
 62. The wireless device of claim 56, whereinone of the plurality of modes is a push-to-talk mode, wherein thepush-to-talk mode is associated with: enabling a capability forreceiving push-to-talk communications; and enabling a capability forinitiating push-to-talk communications.
 63. The wireless device of claim56, wherein one of the plurality of modes is a full activity mode,wherein the full activity mode comprises enabling all groupcommunication capabilities that are supported by the external structure.64. The wireless device of claim 56, wherein the processor is configuredto performed operations further comprising: determining, based on themode implemented, whether a capability for receiving talk spurts isdisabled; if the capability for receiving talk spurts is disabled,receiving a voice note containing speech recorded from a groupcommunication attempt.
 65. The wireless device of claim 64, wherein theprocessor is configured to perform operations further comprising: if thecapability for receiving talk spurts is disabled, sending an incompletecall notification to a sender of the group communication attempt.
 66. Awireless communication device, comprising: means for detecting aconnection between the wireless device and an external structureassociated with the wireless device being positioned in the externalstructure configured to accept the wireless device and comprising one ormore physical buttons; and means for activating a communication linkfunctionality in response to detecting the connection.
 67. The wirelesscommunication device of claim 66, further comprising: means fordetecting a disconnection from the external structure; and means fordeactivating the communication link functionality in response todetecting the disconnection.
 68. The wireless communication device ofclaim 66, wherein means for detecting a connection to the externalstructure that is configured to accept the wireless device comprisesmeans for detecting a connection to a case for the wireless device. 69.The wireless communication device of claim 66, wherein means fordetecting a connection to the external structure that is configured toaccept the wireless device comprises means for detecting a connection toa holster that is configured to hold the wireless device.
 70. Thewireless communication device of claim 66, further comprising: means forreceiving a key-press code from the external structure; means forinterpreting the key-press code received from the external structure asa push-to-talk activation event; and means for activating a push-to-talktransmission in response to receiving the key-press code.
 71. Thewireless communication device of claim 70, wherein means for receivingthe key-press code from the external structure comprises means forreceiving a signal transmitted from the external structure, wherein thesignal is transmitted in response to depression of one or more physicalbuttons on the external structure.
 72. The wireless communication deviceof claim 66, further comprising means for providing power to theexternal structure while the external structure is connected to thewireless device.
 73. The wireless communication device of claim 66,wherein means for activating group functionality comprises: means fordetermining a type and features set of the external structure; and meansfor activating a mode on the wireless device based on the determinedtype and features set.
 74. The wireless communication device of claim73, wherein means for activating a mode on the wireless devicecomprises: means for executing a group communications application; andmeans for enabling on the wireless device one or more features of thefeatures set.
 75. The wireless communication device of claim 73, whereinthe features set comprises one or more data presets associated withgroup communications, wherein the one or more data presets are stored inthe external structure.
 76. The wireless communication device of claim75, further comprising: means for receiving the one or more data presetsfrom the external structure, wherein the data presets are receivedthrough a physical connection with the external structure or a shortdistance communication from the external structure.
 77. The wirelesscommunication device of claim 66, further comprising means for receivingan identifier from the external structure.
 78. The wirelesscommunication device of claim 77, wherein the identifier is a credentialthat authenticates the external structure to the wireless device. 79.The wireless communication device of claim 77, wherein means forreceiving the identifier from the external structure comprises means forreceiving the identifier through a physical connection with the externalstructure.
 80. The wireless communication device of claim 79, whereinmeans for receiving the identifier through the physical connection withthe external structure comprises means for receiving the identifierthrough a smartphone-specific connector port.
 81. The wirelesscommunication device of claim 77, wherein means for receiving theidentifier from the external structure comprises means for receiving theidentifier over a short distance communication from the externalstructure.
 82. The wireless communication device of claim 81, whereinmeans for receiving the identifier over a short distance communicationcomprises means for receiving the identifier through one of a Bluetooth®signal and a near field communication.
 83. The wireless communicationdevice of claim 66, wherein means for activating the communication linkfunctionality comprises: means for determining a type and features setprovided by the external structure; means for executing a groupcommunications application; and means for enabling one or more groupcommunication capabilities that are supported by the external structure.84. The wireless communication device of claim 83, wherein means forenabling one or more group communication capabilities comprises meansfor disabling a display screen of the wireless device when a groupcommunication is received.
 85. The wireless communication device ofclaim 83, wherein means for enabling one or more group communicationcapabilities comprises means for enabling a speaker on the externalstructure.
 86. The wireless communication device of claim 83, whereinmeans for enabling one or more group communication capabilitiescomprises means for activating a far field microphone on the externalstructure.
 87. The wireless communication device of claim 83, furthercomprising means for implementing a plurality of modes provided by theexternal structure, wherein each of the modes is associated withenabling on the wireless device a different subset of the features set.88. The wireless communication device of claim 87, wherein means forimplementing the plurality of modes provided by the external structurecomprises means for implementing a mode based on a position of a switchon the external structure.
 89. The wireless communication device ofclaim 83, wherein the processor is configured such that determining thefeatures set of the external structure comprises determining a pluralityof features sets of the external structure, wherein each of theplurality of features sets relates to one of optimizing groupcommunications and setting a user presence state for incomingcommunications.
 90. The wireless communication device of claim 89,further comprising: means for implementing a plurality of modes providedby the external structure, wherein each of the modes is associated withenabling on the wireless device a different subset of one of theplurality of features sets; and means for implementing one of theplurality of modes based on a position of one of a plurality of switcheson the external structure.
 91. The wireless communication device ofclaim 88, wherein one of the plurality of modes is a listen-only mode,wherein the listen-only mode is associated with: means for enabling acapability for receiving talk spurts at the wireless device; means foractivating a speaker on the wireless device; and means for disabling acapability for initiating group communications.
 92. The wirelesscommunication device of claim 88, wherein one of plurality of modes isan alert-only mode, wherein the alert-only mode is associated with:means for enabling a capability for receiving group communicationalerts; means for disabling a capability for receiving talk spurts; andmeans for disabling a capability for initiating group communications.93. The wireless communication device of claim 88, wherein one of theplurality of modes is an offline mode, wherein the offline mode isassociated with means for disabling all group communicationcapabilities.
 94. The wireless communication device of claim 88, whereinone of the plurality of modes is a push-to-talk mode, wherein thepush-to-talk mode is associated with: means for enabling a capabilityfor receiving push-to-talk communications; and means for enabling acapability for initiating push-to-talk communications.
 95. The wirelesscommunication device of claim 88, wherein one of the plurality of modesis a full activity mode, wherein the full activity mode is associatedwith means for enabling all group communication capabilities that aresupported by the external structure.
 96. The wireless communicationdevice of claim 88, further comprising: means for determining, based onthe mode implemented, whether a capability for receiving talk spurts isdisabled; and if the capability for receiving talk spurts is disabled,means for receiving a voice note containing speech recorded from a groupcommunication attempt.
 97. The wireless communication device of claim96, further comprising: means for sending an incomplete callnotification to a sender of the group communication attempt, if thecapability for receiving talk spurts is disabled.
 98. A non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium having stored thereonprocessor-executable instructions configured to cause a wireless deviceprocessor to perform operations comprising: detecting a connectionbetween the wireless device and an external structure associated withthe wireless device being positioned in the external structurecomprising one or more physical buttons; and means for activating acommunication link functionality in response to detecting theconnection.
 99. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium ofclaim 98, wherein the stored processor-executable instructions areconfigured to cause the wireless device processor to perform operationsfurther comprising: detecting a disconnection from the externalstructure; and deactivating the communication link functionality inresponse to detecting the disconnection.
 100. The non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium of claim 98, wherein the storedprocessor-executable instructions are configured to cause the wirelessdevice processor to perform operations such that detecting a connectionto the external structure comprises detecting a connection to a case forthe wireless device.
 101. The non-transitory computer-readable storagemedium of claim 98, wherein the stored processor-executable instructionsare configured to cause the wireless device processor to performoperations such that detecting a connection to the external structurecomprises detecting a connection to a holster that is configured to holdthe wireless device.
 102. The non-transitory computer-readable storagemedium of claim 98, wherein the stored processor-executable instructionsare configured to cause the wireless device processor to performoperations further comprising: receiving a key-press code from theexternal structure; interpreting the key-press code received from theexternal structure as a push-to-talk activation event; and activating apush-to-talk transmission in response to receiving the key-press code.103. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 102,wherein the stored processor-executable instructions are configured tocause the wireless device processor to perform operations such thatreceiving the key-press code from the external structure comprisesreceiving a signal transmitted from the external structure, wherein thesignal is transmitted in response to depression of one or more physicalbuttons on the external structure.
 104. The non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium of claim 98, wherein the storedprocessor-executable instructions are configured to cause the wirelessdevice processor to perform operations further comprising providingpower to the external structure via a connector port while the externalstructure is connected to the wireless device.
 105. The non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium of claim 98, wherein the storedprocessor-executable instructions are configured to cause the wirelessdevice processor to perform operations such that activating groupfunctionality comprises: determining a type and features set of theexternal structure; and activating a mode on the wireless device basedon the determined type and features set.
 106. The non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium of claim 105, wherein the storedprocessor-executable instructions are configured to cause the wirelessdevice processor to perform operations such that activating a mode onthe wireless device comprises: executing a group communicationsapplication; and enabling on the wireless device one or more features ofthe features set.
 107. The non-transitory computer-readable storagemedium of claim 105, wherein the features set comprises one or more datapresets associated with group communications, wherein the one or moredata presets are stored in the external structure.
 108. Thenon-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 105, whereinthe stored processor-executable instructions are configured to cause thewireless device processor to perform operations further comprising:receiving the one or more data presets from the external structure,wherein the data presets are received through a physical connection withthe external structure or a short distance communication from theexternal structure.
 109. The non-transitory computer-readable storagemedium of claim 98, wherein the stored processor-executable instructionsare configured to cause the wireless device processor to performoperations further comprising receiving an identifier from the externalstructure.
 110. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium ofclaim 109, wherein the stored processor-executable instructions areconfigured to cause the wireless device processor to perform operationssuch that the identifier is a credential that authenticates the externalstructure to the wireless device.
 111. The non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium of claim 109, wherein the storedprocessor-executable instructions are configured to cause the wirelessdevice processor to perform operations such that receiving theidentifier from the external structure comprises receiving theidentifier through a physical connection with the external structure.112. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 111,wherein the stored processor-executable instructions are configured tocause the wireless device processor to perform operations furthercomprising receiving the identifier through a smartphone-specificconnector port.
 113. The non-transitory computer-readable storage mediumof claim 109, wherein the stored processor-executable instructions areconfigured to cause the wireless device processor to perform operationssuch that receiving the identifier from the external structure comprisesreceiving the identifier over a short distance communication from theexternal structure.
 114. The non-transitory computer-readable storagemedium of claim 113, wherein the stored processor-executableinstructions are configured to cause the wireless device processor toperform operations such that the short distance communication is one ofa Bluetooth® signal and a near field communication.
 115. Thenon-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 98, wherein thestored processor-executable instructions are configured to cause thewireless device processor to perform operations such that activatinggroup communication functionality comprises: determining a type andfeatures set provided by the external structure; executing a groupcommunications application; and enabling one or more group communicationcapabilities that are supported by the external structure.
 116. Thenon-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 115, whereinthe stored processor-executable instructions are configured to cause thewireless device processor to perform operations such that enabling oneor more group communication capabilities comprises disabling a displayscreen of the wireless device when the wireless device receives a groupcommunication.
 117. The non-transitory computer-readable storage mediumof claim 115, wherein the stored processor-executable instructions areconfigured to cause the wireless device processor to perform operationssuch that enabling one or more group communication capabilitiescomprises enabling a speaker on the external structure.
 118. Thenon-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 115, whereinthe stored processor-executable instructions are configured to cause thewireless device processor to perform operations such that enabling oneor more group communication capabilities comprises activating a farfield microphone on the external structure.
 119. The non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium of claim 115, wherein the storedprocessor-executable instructions are configured to cause the wirelessdevice processor to perform operations further comprising implementing aplurality of modes provided by the external structure, wherein each ofthe modes is associated with enabling on the wireless device a differentsubset of the features set.
 120. The non-transitory computer-readablestorage medium of claim 119, wherein the stored processor-executableinstructions are configured to cause the wireless device processor toperform operations such that implementing the plurality of modesprovided by the external structure comprises implementing a mode basedon a position of a switch on the external structure.
 121. Thenon-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 115, whereinthe stored processor-executable instructions are configured to cause thewireless device processor to perform operations such that determiningthe features set of the external structure comprises determining aplurality of features sets of the external structure, wherein each ofthe plurality of features sets relates to one of optimizing groupcommunications and setting a user presence state for incomingcommunications.
 122. The non-transitory computer-readable storage mediumof claim 121, wherein the stored processor-executable instructions areconfigured to cause the wireless device processor to perform operationsfurther comprising: implementing a plurality of modes provided by theexternal structure, wherein each of the modes is associated withenabling on the wireless device a different subset of one of theplurality of features sets; and implementing one of the plurality ofmodes based on a position of one of a plurality of switches on theexternal structure.
 123. The non-transitory computer-readable storagemedium of claim 120, wherein the stored processor-executableinstructions are configured to cause the wireless device processor toperform operations such that one of the plurality of modes is alisten-only mode, wherein the listen-only mode is associated with:enabling a capability for receiving talk spurts at the wireless device;activating a speaker on the wireless device; and disabling a capabilityfor initiating group communications.
 124. The non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium of claim 120, wherein the storedprocessor-executable instructions are configured to cause the wirelessdevice processor to perform operations such that one of plurality ofmodes is an alert-only mode, wherein the alert-only mode is associatedwith: enabling a capability for receiving group communication alerts;disabling a capability for receiving talk spurts; and disabling acapability for initiating group communications.
 125. The non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium of claim 120, wherein the storedprocessor-executable instructions are configured to cause the wirelessdevice processor to perform operations such that one of the plurality ofmodes is an offline mode, wherein the offline mode is associated withdisabling all group communication capabilities.
 126. The non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium of claim 120, wherein the storedprocessor-executable instructions are configured to cause the wirelessdevice processor to perform operations such that one of the plurality ofmodes is a push-to-talk mode, wherein the push-to-talk mode isassociated with: enabling a capability for receiving push-to-talkcommunications; and enabling a capability for initiating push-to-talkcommunications.
 127. The non-transitory computer-readable storage mediumof claim 120, wherein the stored processor-executable instructions areconfigured to cause the wireless device processor to perform operationssuch that one of the plurality of modes is a full activity mode, whereinthe full activity mode comprises enabling all group communicationcapabilities that are supported by the external structure.
 128. Thenon-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 120, whereinthe stored processor-executable instructions are configured to cause thewireless device processor to perform operations further comprising:determining, based on the mode implemented, whether a capability forreceiving talk spurts is disabled; if the capability for receiving talkspurts is disabled, receiving a voice note containing speech recordedfrom a group communication attempt.
 129. The non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium of claim 128, wherein the storedprocessor-executable instructions are configured to cause the wirelessdevice processor to perform operations further comprising: sending anincomplete call notification to a sender of the group communicationattempt, if the capability for receiving talk spurts is disabled.
 130. Acommunication system, comprising: a wireless device; and a removableexternal structure, wherein the external structure comprises: a casestructure configured to fit over the wireless device; a physical buttonpositioned on the case structure; a first circuit coupled to thephysical button; and a second circuit configured to cause a connectionwith the wireless device, and wherein the wireless device is configuredto detect a connection with the external structure, and to activate acommunication link functionality in response to detecting theconnection.
 131. An external structure for a wireless device,comprising: an exterior portion configured to fit over the wirelessdevice; one or more physical buttons positioned on the exterior portion;a circuit coupled to the physical button; and an interface configured toestablish a connection with the wireless device, wherein the connectionenables a communication a functionality on the wireless device.
 132. Theexternal structure of claim 131, wherein the exterior portion comprisesa case for the wireless device.
 133. The external structure of claim131, wherein the exterior portion comprises a holster configured to holdthe wireless device.
 134. The external structure of claim 131, furthercomprising a processor, wherein the processor is configured to performoperations comprising communicating a key-press code to the wirelessdevice.
 135. The external structure of claim 131, wherein depression ofthe physical button activates the first circuit, wherein the firstcircuit is operable to communicate a key-press code to the wirelessdevice via the interface.
 136. The external structure of claim 131,wherein the interface is a connector port, and wherein the externalstructure receives power from the wireless device via the connector portwhen the wireless device is connected.
 137. The external structure ofclaim 131, wherein the interface comprises a Bluetooth® wirelesstransceiver.
 138. The external structure of claim 131, furthercomprising a battery that is independent of a wireless device battery.139. The external structure of claim 131, further comprising a memoryconfigured to store at least one features set for the wireless device.140. The external structure of claim 139, wherein the at least onefeatures set comprises one or more data presets associated with groupcommunications.
 141. The external structure of claim 131, furthercomprising a processor, wherein the processor is configured to performoperations comprising communicating an identifier to the wirelessdevice.
 142. The external structure of claim 141, wherein the identifieris communicated to the wireless device by via physical connection. 143.The external structure of claim 141, wherein the identifier is acredential that authenticates the external structure to the wirelessdevice.